How does lipodystrophy manifest in patients on ART?

How does lipodystrophy manifest in patients on ART?

• A. Distribution of fat changes: buffalo hump, central obesity, facial wasting, peripheral fat loss
• B. General thinning of all fat equally
• C. Increase in subcutaneous fat across all areas
• D. Fat gain only in limbs

Answer: (A)

Lipodystrophy from ART is a problem of fat redistribution, not a uniform change in fat. In many patients, fat builds up in the dorsocervical area (a buffalo hump) and around the trunk (central obesity), while fat disappears from the face and peripheral sites like the arms and legs. This combination of facial wasting, peripheral fat loss, and central fat accumulation is the hallmark pattern. It’s not about thinning fat everywhere or gain only in one area like the limbs, and the changes can be accompanied by metabolic issues such as insulin resistance or dyslipidemia.

Lipodystrophy from ART is a problem of fat redistribution, not a uniform change in fat. In many patients, fat builds up in the dorsocervical area (a buffalo hump) and around the trunk (central obesity), while fat disappears from the face and peripheral sites like the arms and legs. This combination of facial wasting, peripheral fat loss, and central fat accumulation is the hallmark pattern. It’s not about thinning fat everywhere or gain only in one area like the limbs, and the changes can be accompanied by metabolic issues such as insulin resistance or dyslipidemia.